Programs

"As both a CTP and PLP graduate, I am very appreciative of the unique opportunity the Sorensen Institute provides. For those trying to understand what is necessary for a political campaign or desiring a better understanding of statewide political issues and policy, there are few options already. But there is only one whose approach is academic, practical, enlightening and non-partisan – the Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership."

— Joe Walton
Powhatan
Political Leaders Program Class of 2008,
Candidate Training Program Class of 2006

please install flash

Candidate Training Program

Overview

The Sorensen Institute's Candidate Training Program (CTP) is an intensive, four-day program focused on the fundamentals of a winning campaign for office.

Participants explore the nuts and bolts of building a strong campaign from the ground up—all within the context of ethics and principled public service. The curriculum does not prescribe a particular set of campaign guidelines or rules, but does provide candidates with a framework for developing their own code of conduct to run a winning and ethical campaign. Participants in the program represent a broad range of ideologies and a diversity of communities from throughout Virginia. The CTP was first offered in 1999 with support from a grant from the Pew Charitable Trusts. Click here to learn more about the history of the program.

Seven graduates of our 2009 Candidate Training Program were elected to office the same year— 3 Republicans, 3 Democrats and 1 Independent. That includes 2 Republicans and 2 Democrats of the CTP 09 class who were elected for the first time to the Virginia General Assembly on November 3— all four of whom were brand new to state-level campaign politics until they participated in Sorensen. Click here to see other graduates of our Candidate Training Program.

Curriculum

The Candidate Training Program is focused on giving participants the knowledge and practical skills they will need to build a winning campaign from the ground up. The program may include in-depth coverage of the following:

Message Development and Delivery

Ethics in Campaigns

Planning and Budgeting

Direct Mail

Organizing an Effective Field Operation and GOTV (get out the vote)

Election Law in Virginia

Fundraising

Virginia Politics

Opposition Research

Crisis Management

Media 101

Online Campaigning

Dealing with Stresses on Candidates and their Families

Roles and Responsibilities of Candidates, Managers, and Consultants

Speakers

We are absolutely committed to maintaining a partisan balance among the campaign consultants and political experts who speak as part of the program. All our speakers have a wealth of experience in Virginia campaigns and elections.

Applications

The application process is open to Virginia residents who are eligible to run for political office. Preference will be given to first-time candidates. A commitment to fully participate in the program is required.

If you would like to refer a candidate to our Candidate Training Program, please visit our referrals page. Information provided will only be used to contact potential candidates about applying for our program.

We are not currently accepting applications for the 2015 Candidate Training Program.

Tuition

Tuition for the CTP Class of 2015 is $750 for a shared double room and $900 for a private room. Tuition covers food, lodging and all program materials. Acceptance to the program is not dependent on ability to pay; financial aid is available. In 2014 we met 100% of demonstrated financial need through a combination of grants, scholarships and financial aid. No individual is ever denied participation in a Sorensen program because of inability to pay the tuition cost. The Candidate Training Program is sponsored in part by the Claude Moore Charitable Foundation, which helps us keep tuition costs affordable.

Program Schedule

The program runs from Thursday morning until Sunday afternoon. A typical program day starts at 7am with breakfast and class begins promptly at 8am. Presentations, discussions, and workshops run throughout the day with multiple breaks and a catered lunch. The evening sessions include a dinner, speakers, and discussion. The program culminates with a Sunday afternoon graduation at around 2pm. Attendance at all sessions is required for participation in the program.

The 2015 Candidate Training Program is scheduled for January 22-25 at Carter Hall in Millwood, Virginia.

If you have any questions about the Candidate Training Program please contact April Auger at 434-243-2470 or april.auger@virginia.edu. If you would like to refer someone to our program, please visit our referrals page.

Alfonso Lopez

Political Leaders Program

Class of 2003

Alfonso was the Director of the Virginia Liaison Office during the Kaine administration. In 2011 he was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates in the 49th District. He also serves on the Sorensen Institute's Northern Virginia Regional Board.